Following Jesus' example of spreading the good news of God's love. 1st Sunday in Lent, Yr. B

Object:

A newspaper

Scripture:

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:14-15

There was a time when you could walk the streets of a city and hear the voice of a newspaper boy crying out, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it." He called out to get the attention of people who were passing by so that they would come to him and buy a newspaper. That was the way the news was spread in those days.

How do people get their news today? People get their news in many different ways. For some, the newspaper is still their main source for news and they read it from cover to cover. Some may get their news from the radio. Probably the main way that people get the news today is from television. No matter how we get our news, it is important for us to know what is going on in the world around us.

Did you know that Jesus himself was in the news business? The Bible says that Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. Listen to what he said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news." Jesus wanted everyone to know the good news of God's love for them.

How do people get the good news of God's love today? Some may get it from newspapers, radio or television. Some may come to church and hear about God's love. But the best way to spread the good news of God's love is the same today as it was in Jesus' day. The best way is for you and me to tell others about it!

You and I should be like the newsboy standing on the street corner crying out, "Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news -- God loves you!"

Dear Jesus, may we follow your example and share the good news of God's love with everyone we meet. Amen.